Narcissistic Abuse
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Narcissistic abuse is a form of emotional abuse that occurs when someone with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) abuses another person. Narcissistic abusers harm others by using words, behaviors, and actions intended to hurt and manipulate. Not everyone with NPD is abusive, and not all abusers have NPD. However, because NPD is characterized by an inability to understand and respect the feelings of others, it may increase the likelihood of someone becoming abusive. People with NPD believe in an idealized version of themselves, but they also possess deep feelings of self-doubt and shame. The conflict between the inflated self and insecurity may cause people with NPD to employ coping mechanisms that are abusive toward others. For example, narcissistic abusers may derive pleasure from emotionally hurting or manipulating their partners. In other instances, narcissistic abuse manifests as neglect or deliberate isolation. Narcissistic parental abuse is often perpetrated by self-centered caregivers who are unable to meet their children's basic needs or to offer love and support. Narcissistic abuse usually occurs in family, social, and workplace relationships.
Victims of narcissistic abuse may not realize they are experiencing abuse, or even that their perpetrators have narcissistic personality disorder. Common symptoms of narcissistic abuse, as endured by its victims, include:
People who suspect that they are victims of narcissistic abuse should seek the help of a mental health professional, a domestic violence specialist, or a member of law enforcement, if applicable. Therapy can help people suffering from narcissistic abuse recover from fear and low self-esteem and learn to develop healthy boundaries. In addition to therapy, victims of narcissistic abuse should identify and document the abuse, build a support system, and practice self-care. Documenting the abuse can be helpful both for recovery and for building a legal case against the perpetrator.